The
choice between shooting in a studio or on location will stem largely
from the script, the budget, and the director and producer's aesthetic
requirements. But as with all the choices made during production,
there are also environmental repercussions to the decision you will
make.

STUDIO SHOOTS: Speaking in purely environmental
terms, the studio is preferable to location shooting, because it
is self contained, and measures from energy conservation to recycling
can be incorporated into the space. Additionally, transportation
to and from location will be limited, and equipment such as the
generator wilt not have to be portable. The advantages of the studio
that exist for the filmmaker are the same for the environmentalist:
There is more control.

LOCATION SCOUTING: -Consider using a video camera
instead of stills when scouting locations. You will save money.
A single two-hour videotape will cost about the same as a roll of
still film/and you will be getting a motion picture. You can use
the tape over for continuity.

LET ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS be your deciding
factor if you have more than one worthwhile location: Once you have
selected a location, find out the community recycling and trash
collection policies, and make arrangements early.

COUNTRY LOCATIONS: If you are shooting in a country
location, establish some guidelines for the crew: specific paths
where the least grass will be destroyed and so on. Be respectful
of trees; don’t break off healthy branches just to get a shot
or block a light. Have a production assistant oversee the cleaning
up of the grounds after the shoot: not only the garbage, but if
the location has been used for several days, some replanting of
grass might be in order.

URBAN ENVIRONMENTS: Cities are very fragile environments:
If there are trees and parks, they are precious. If you are filming
on a city street, don't litter. Set up recycling bins out in the
open. Let your location shoot be an example to passersby.